NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Behind Sidney Bartels 4-for-7 day with three RBIs and two complete game efforts from starting pitcher Kayla Simacek, who gave up one run on the day, the Bethel University softball team came away with a sweep of Carleton Saturday afternoon. Simacek got the shutout in game one, 4-0, before two-out production in game two earned the Royals a 6-1 victory.
 
The 10th-ranked Royals improved to 15-3 on the year and 4-0 in MIAC play while moving their win streak to five games.
 
Game 1: #10 Bethel 4, Carleton 0
• Battling strong winds at Ele Hansen Field, Bethel was able to put up a three spot in the third. Kayla Hokanson drove in the first run before Bartels made it 2-0. Bartels scored making it 3-0 after stealing second and scoring on a single by Mikaela Girard.
• The Knights stranded runners in their first three at bats. Simacek held Carleton to a pair of hits the rest of the way, one being an infield single.
• Nine-hitter Mandalyn Franks led off the top of the fourth with a bunt single before moving over to second and third on a pair of ground outs. She then stole home two batters later putting BU up 4-0.
• Lexi DeBace was 2-for-3 with a run while Cortney Hokanson went 2-for-2 with a double and two walks.
 
Game 2: #10 Bethel 6, Carleton 1
• Bartels drove in the first run of the game in BU's first plate appearance. Her double to the gap in left scored DeBace who walked and stole second to move into scoring position.
• Carleton quickly answered as a two-out triple to the fence in right, aided by the wind, would score on a sharp single up the middle.
• Bethel's defense closed out the third with a double play, doubling up the runner at first after a fly to center.
• The Royals began their two-out production in the fifth with a RBI double down the line from C. Hokanson before K. Hokanson scored on a wild pitch.
• Bartels notched her second RBI of the game in the sixth with a triple to right that scored DeBace from second.
• DeBace finished the game 1-for-2 with two runs and two walks while Bartels went 3-for-4 with a run.
• Simacek improved to 12-1 in the circle giving up one run on seven hits with three strikeouts.
 
UP NEXT
BU has its home opener on Tuesday, April 9 hosting St. Olaf at Ona Orth Athletic Complex. First pitch of game one is set for 3:30 p.m.


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